Brother XR4040 Review

The quality of Brother XR4040 was never in doubt. But its availability is a question mark. There are better alternatives from Brother itself.

Brother XR4040 Main Features

  • 40 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • LCD display
  • Top drop-in bobbin

Brother XR4040 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : LOW

XR4040 is not a new product at all. It has been in the market for a while now. In the early days, it did reasonably well. Now it has almost disappeared from all the stores. It is slowly fading away. I am not sure whether Brother is still producing this machine or not. Anyway, let us now focus on the machine itself. Brother XR4040 is an electronic sewing machine. There is a huge difference between an electronic and a computerized sewing machine. Computerized machines will get advanced features like sewing start/stop, variable speed control, programmable needle up/down etc. You won’t see such features on an electronic sewing machine.

Brother XR4040 has 40 built-in stitches including 5 one-step buttonholes. There are 77 stitch functions in total, which is enough for the needs of a beginner. For stitch selection, there is an LCD display. It is not a backlit one, it is like the ones that we find on old calculators. The display shows the stitch width and length. The stitch width can be increased up to 7mm and stitch length up to 5mm. The screen will also display the recommended presser foot for each stitch option.

The drop-in bobbin system makes it easy for beginners. Automatic needle threader saves a lot of eye strain. A manual thread cutter is provided on the side of the machine. The work space is illuminated by LED bulb. The motor power is on par with most beginners’ machines. The motor is capable of delivering 850 stitches/min. You can drop the feed dogs for doing free-motion works. There is a built-in free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. Automatic bobbin winding feature is also included.

A horizontal spool pin is provided for better thread flow. Variable needle positions are available on the machine. There is a built-in accessory storage compartment as well. The retractable handle adds to portability. The machine weighs just 10.6 pounds, making it easy to carry. It has 25 year warranty cover as well.

Usability

The user manual is clear and easy to understand. Brother XR4040 is pretty light and compact. It has a smooth operation. The feed mechanism of this machine is much better than expensive machines. This is a beginner friendly machine. It operates quietly as well. The machine has a good variety of stitches on board. Its performance through thick layers of fabric is quite good. The stitch quality is very good and consistent. One thing I really liked about this machine is the quality of the buttonholes that it makes. The buttonholes have a professional finish to it.

Limitations

No hard cover included. So you will have to buy one, if you are taking your machine to sewing classes.

The build quality is not that great. You can’t expect more for the price either.

Brother XR4040 is a dated product, so all parts may not be available.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quiet
  • Easy to use
  • Variety of stitches
  • Quality stitches

Cons

  • LCD display is not backlit
  • More plastic parts
  • No hardcover
  • Availability

Is It Worth Buying?

Brother XR4040 is a good basic sewing machine. But it seems Brother has discontinued it (not 100% sure about it). It seems Brother has replaced XR4040 with Brother ES2000 (both are identical in features). We have already done a review on Brother ES2000 and wasn’t that impressed with it. So the best alternative I can suggest is Brother CS6000i. It is a fully computerized sewing machine with better features. It is one of the best sewing machines in the under $200 price category.


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